The Ultimate Guide to Saddle Pads for Every Riding Discipline

Choosing the Right Saddle Pad: From All-Purpose to Western and Everything in Between

When it comes to riding, comfort, style, and functionality start with what’s beneath the saddle. Saddle pads aren’t just accessories—they’re essential gear that protects your horse’s back, supports saddle fit, and allows riders to express their style. At Equestroom, we believe every discipline deserves a thoughtfully designed saddle pad that meets the demands of the sport while delivering comfort and confidence in the saddle.

Whether you’re a dressage devotee, a jumper, a weekend trail rider, or somewhere in between, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about saddle pads—optimized for performance, fit, and of course, aesthetics.

All-Purpose Saddle Pads: Everyday Versatility

If you're dabbling in multiple riding styles or simply enjoy hacking out with your horse, an all purpose saddle pad is your go-to. Designed to fit most general English saddles, these pads offer a middle ground between the flatter shape of a jumping pad and the longer flaps of a dressage pad.

Why we love them:

Versatile enough for schooling, trail rides, or casual jumping
Great for beginner riders or multi-discipline barns
Stylish and functional options available in Equestroom’s colorful collections

✅ Best For: Leisure riders, lesson programs, and anyone seeking one pad for multiple purposes.

Jumping Saddle Pads: Built for Performance

High-adrenaline riders need gear that can keep up. A jumping saddle pad is cut to fit jumping saddles with shorter, forward flaps. These pads often feature grip zones, extra breathability, and contouring to minimize shifting during fast-paced rides.

Jumping pad features to look for:

Breathable mesh or moisture-wicking fabrics
Contoured shape for better saddle security
Shock-absorbing designs for intense impact
Non-slip features like girth and billet straps

✅ Best For: Show jumpers, hunters, eventers, and riders working over fences.

Dressage Saddle Pads: Elegance and Precision

The dressage saddle pad is long, sleek, and designed to complement saddles with extended straight flaps. But function doesn’t have to be boring—Equestroom’s dressage pads are available in stunning suedes, sparkles, and structured shapes that look sharp in the arena.

Why it matters:

More surface area protects your horse’s back during prolonged contact
Adds polish to your turnout in competition
A precise fit helps avoid pressure points under longer flaps
Longer shape helps to avoid pinching at billet straps

✅ Best For: Dressage riders, flatwork enthusiasts, and equestrians who ride with longer stirrups.

Australian Saddle Pads: Comfort for Distance

Designed for endurance and stability, Australian saddle pads need to handle rugged terrain and long hours in the saddle. Many Australian riders prefer dressage-style pads with generous coverage and non-slip fabrics to pair with their stock saddles.

Why Equestroom’s dressage pads work beautifully:

Larger cut accommodates most Australian stock saddles
Premium materials wick moisture and reduce rubbing
Our bold color options and bling accents bring style to bush riding

✅ Best For: Trail riders, stockmen, and anyone using an Australian or endurance saddle.

Polo Saddle Pads: Style Meets Speed

While not as commonly talked about, polo saddle pads are in a league of their own—designed for agility, durability, and flair. The shape resembles an all-purpose pad but with higher breathability and often extra cushioning to support quick stops and turns.

Equestroom offers several bold and breathable options ideal for polo players who want both function and fashion on the field in our line of all purpose saddle pads.

✅ Best For: Polo athletes, fast-paced training, and stylish schooling.

Western Saddle Pads: Built to Handle It All

Heavier saddles and longer rides call for sturdy, well-ventilated western saddle pads. Equestroom offers plush and thick traditional western pads in your favorite colors.

Key western pad features:

Contoured to fit wide, rounded bars of western saddles
Thick and plush
Built to disperse weight and absorb shock over longer rides

✅ Best For: Western pleasure, trail riding, reining, and ranch work.

Matching Saddle Pad Sets: Style Across Disciplines

At Equestroom, we take pride in creating matching saddle pad sets that don’t just fit your discipline—they elevate it. Whether you’re competing in dressage, training for your next hunter derby, or out for a hack in the hills, our coordinated sets—including pads, fly hats, and browbands—let you ride in confidence and comfort.

From sparkly suede to breathable mesh, there’s an Equestroom set for every rider and every horse.

What Makes Equestroom Saddle Pads Unique?

Available in over 30 bold colors and finishes
Sizes that work for dressage, all-purpose, and even Australian saddles
Matching accessories for a complete look
Loved by riders in over 10 countries
Average 4.9-star rating—because quality matters

Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?

Whether you're galloping through a course or trotting down the trail, the right saddle pad makes all the difference. Shop our full collection of dressage saddle pads, jumping saddle pads, all purpose saddle pads, and more to find your perfect match.